Team Membership Workshop: a lesson in leadership and collaboration beyond the classroom

15 April 2025

Students of the Professional Master in Business Management at Bologna Business School experienced a learning day unlike any other. In the dynamic setting of Zoneplus – inspired by urban American basketball culture – they took part in an intense team building workshop led by Alessandro “Alex” Finelli, professional basketball coach and business trainer, long involved in leadership, performance and teamwork development.

The workshop was a true experiential lab, where the court became a space for reflection and shared practice. Every technical gesture turned into a symbolic act, reframing key teamwork dynamics through the language of sport.

Two participants, Angie Bregu and Brice Atsou, offered their thoughts on the experience, from different yet complementary perspectives.

“What struck me most was Coach Finelli’s ability to translate his on-court experience into a cross-cutting lesson, one that clearly applies to the workplace,” said Angie.  “Though I’m familiar with coaching dynamics, I had never seen them reframed through the lens of leadership and team management in a business setting.”

For Brice, what stood out most was Finelli’s ability to connect sports and business effectively and engagingly:

“I was truly impressed by both his basketball and business knowledge. The parallel between both worlds was clear and well delivered. Although stepping on the court could be intimidating for some, he made everyone feel comfortable right away. The balance of discussion and physical activity made the experience very impactful for our group dynamics.”

Throughout the session, Finelli introduced exercises simulating team plays – passing sequences, shots, position switches – each with a clear objective: turning movement into active metaphor, highlighting communication, responsibility and shared focus.

“Reflecting on the interdependence in team sports helped us understand how each result – such as scoring a basket – is just the final step of a collaborative process,” added Angie.
“This perfectly mirrors the workplace context, where timely and precise communication is essential for project success.”

Brice highlighted:

“Sports teach you discipline, mental strength and resilience, but above all, team spirit. We learned to recognize strengths and weaknesses and communicate effectively. It wasn’t about competition, but collaborative play – a powerful experience that made teamwork tangible.”

Beyond teamwork, the day also held deep relational value. Stepping away from academic routine and engaging in a physical, shared activity helped strengthen bonds within the group.

Finally, the workshop sparked reflection on the meaning of leadership – not a static or hierarchical role, but a practice based on example, listening and group cohesion. As Brice concluded:

“In both sports and business, you work in teams toward a common goal. A leader must inspire, communicate, correct and guide. The connection between leadership in sports and in business is strong and increasingly relevant.”